And the Captain Howdy lit upon my shoulder
And he left me with sulfur and rooms full of headaches
Captain Howdy is a reference to the demonic spirit from The Excorcist. Pazuzu, the demon, is referred to as Captain Howdy during the eraly stages of the possession. I think that Linkous was comparing his depression and subsequent drug addiction to feeling possessed. The 'sulfur and rooms full of headaches' line seems to be both a description of his squalid surroundings (possibly drug den) and a reference to the idea of demonic possession (the 'sulfur' reference alludes to the sulphurous fire and brimstone ideas of Hell).
The 'snakes' (a standard metaphor for evil) and 'poisoned ranks of strangers' are his companions in the 'dim interior' of their drugs den (though this dimmness could also serve as a metaphor for their whole, bleak lives). The yellow birds, I think, are indeed canaries and his coalmining heritage would support the argument that he is referring to canaries being used to detect poisonous gases. I guess the fact that he's asking for 'more' inplies that they keep dying, meaning that he must be dwelling in a pretty poisonous place.
I particularly like the use of the word 'lit' in this verse. It's used as a pun, I think.
And the Captain Howdy lit upon my shoulder And he left me with sulfur and rooms full of headaches
Captain Howdy is a reference to the demonic spirit from The Excorcist. Pazuzu, the demon, is referred to as Captain Howdy during the eraly stages of the possession. I think that Linkous was comparing his depression and subsequent drug addiction to feeling possessed. The 'sulfur and rooms full of headaches' line seems to be both a description of his squalid surroundings (possibly drug den) and a reference to the idea of demonic possession (the 'sulfur' reference alludes to the sulphurous fire and brimstone ideas of Hell).
The 'snakes' (a standard metaphor for evil) and 'poisoned ranks of strangers' are his companions in the 'dim interior' of their drugs den (though this dimmness could also serve as a metaphor for their whole, bleak lives). The yellow birds, I think, are indeed canaries and his coalmining heritage would support the argument that he is referring to canaries being used to detect poisonous gases. I guess the fact that he's asking for 'more' inplies that they keep dying, meaning that he must be dwelling in a pretty poisonous place.
I particularly like the use of the word 'lit' in this verse. It's used as a pun, I think.